justin smoak

The Orioles had a pretty good sense as to what they were going to see against former teammate Joe Saunders on Monday night. They had no idea what they could expect from their own starting pitcher.

Chris Davis' astonishing start to this season hasn't occurred by accident. Through 12 games, he's putting up numbers that are only fit for video games. But it's the result of the 27-year-old Orioles first baseman realizing that he can truly get more with less.

Stephen Strasburg surrendered three hits over two innings -- including a single and home run to the first two batters he faced -- in his first action since Sept. 7.

The Orioles have had interest in Juston Smoak since the 2008 draft, when the Orioles took Brian Matusz with the fourth pick in the first round and the Texas Rangers grabbed Smoak with the 11th selection.

he 26-year-old held the Mariners hitless for 6 1/3 innings before giving up a solo homer to Seattle left fielder Casper Wells, a former Towson University standout. But watching Seattle break up Chen¿s bid for a perfect game couldn¿t compare to watching the Orioles bullpen nearly give away the game.

New York Mets switch-hitter is a proven midseason acquisition for playoff contenders, and he's really hot right now

Justin Smoak hit a three-run home run off Jeremy Guthrie in the eighth inning Tuesday to power the Mariners to a 3-2 win over the Orioles. ... Kevin Gregg says he's not worried by his lofty walk totals, but manager Buck Showalter is concerned. ... With several key contributors out of the lineup, the Orioles desperately need the notoriously streaky Luke Scott to get hot at the plate. ... Full payment on Ravens season tickets is due Wednesday, a deadline the franchise feels is necessary to continue operating their business effectively. ... New coach Shawn Nadelen could be the Towson lacrosse program's "Captain America" -- whatever the heck that means.